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Frequently Asked
Questions
What is the
purpose of South Texas Children’s Home Ministries’s International
Ministry?
STCHM is committed to the care and development of orphans and at-risk
children through evangelism and loving interactions, providing needed
resources such as food, medical and dental clinics, and construction
projects for orphanages, schools, and churches. In addition STCHM is
firmly committed to an on-going partnership with local churches,
Christian schools, and childcare organizations who are dedicated to
caring for children and strengthening families. You can be assured
that the seeds of your efforts will be nurtured and continued as you
return home.
What experience do you have in mission trips?
Joanna Berry, STCHM vice-president of International Ministry, has a
long history of experience in Latin America. Raised in the Dominican
Republic by missionary parents, she has traveled and been involved
with missionary activities in many countries and speaks Spanish
fluently. She will organize, coordinate with local Christian leaders
and service organizations, and supervise all trips.
What kinds of ministry activities and
projects are available?
All kinds of ministry to children are needed—Backyard Bible Clubs, VBS,
camp and recreational activities, handcrafts, puppets, musical and
drama programs, or taking an orphan or needy child shopping or on an
outing to the zoo or to the beach.
Medical ministry—medical, dental and eye clinics
Construction—benches, chapels, school and camp facilities
Please note: We will customize a
mission trip for your group that matches your resources, talents and
interests. Contact Joanna Berry with your requests.
How can I sign up to go on a mission trip?
Download and complete the application form and return it along with a
$200.00 non-refundable deposit to STCHM, P.O. Box 759, Beeville, TX
78104 as early as possible. We will send you a confirmation packet
with additional information and forms to sign. Spaces are limited and
may fill up quickly. STCHM reserves the right to cancel any trip, and
in that event, your deposit will be quickly refunded.
Who will make my travel arrangements?
Our staff will research the best rates and schedules available from
your preferred departure city, obtain group rates when possible, and
contact you with a proposed itinerary for your approval.
What is the cost of going on a mission trip and what does it cover?
The total cost of the trip, which includes both the land and air package, is approximately $1500 to $1700. The complete land package price can vary between $600.00 and $730.00 for adults (around $500 for children under 12 years of age), depending on activities and accommodations. It includes transportation, food, bottled drinking water, lodging, recreation fees, interpreters and guides. The airfare is dependent on the season and other factors out of our control but typically runs between $800 to $900, which includes taxes and surcharges.
* Please note that prices are subject to change. However, firm prices for land and airfare costs will be quoted to you at the time a mission trip is booked.
How can I pay for the trip?
Land Package Cost - The balance of trip costs for the land portion of expenses (after the $200 deposit) is divided into two equal payments, with payment in full required 45 days before departure. Specific dates for these payments will be arranged at the time of your booking.
Airfare Package Cost – There are a couple of options for paying for airfare, depending on your circumstances. For individuals or groups under 10, airline arrangements can be made by South Texas Children’s Home Ministries who will then give participants their confirmation number; each traveler must then place the cost of their ticket on their own credit card within 24 hours after the reservation is made. For guaranteed groups of 10 or more, the airlines will allow group reservations. STCHM will reserve flights for groups of 10 or more and airfare payment may be made in two equal payments to STCHM, as with the land cost, with payment in full required 45 days before departure.
What costs are NOT covered?
You will need additional pocket money for meals while traveling to and from the field, snacks and souvenirs.
What additional funds might we need to support our ministry projects?
Depending on the ministry activities, there may be a need for funds to cover expenses such as medicines for medical clinics, construction materials for a building project, or supplies for an orphanage or a school. These activities and approximate costs will be discussed and chosen according to your group’s interests and the needs of the ministry. Information will be provided to help you share these needs and opportunities for giving with interested individuals and church groups.
Do I need immunizations?
Immunizations are not required, but you should consult a qualified
medical professional for specific recommendations for your individual
needs.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, you must have a current passport to travel outside the United
States. Information on obtaining a passport can be obtained by
visiting your local post office, or on the web.
Who can go on a STCHM sponsored mission
trip?
STCHM is focused on family and church groups of all ages. Minors must
be accompanied by a parent or guardian. It is recommended that
children be at least 6 years of age or older. Also welcome are
individuals with special skills such as health professionals,
teachers, construction abilities along with all those who have a heart
to love children and a desire to encourage and support those who
minister to children in Jesus name. We are always in need of
participants who have the ability to speak Spanish to help with
interpretation and communication.
What are the accommodations like?
Trip accommodations depend on the ministry activities and location,
and can vary between dormitories or individual rooms for couples and
families at a mission compound to hotel room accommodations. We try to
honor special requests when possible. More specific information on
accommodations will be provided in your confirmation packet for the
trip you have selected.
What about the food and drinking water?
Bottled water is provided for drinking. You will enjoy a variety of
food, both American and native, carefully prepared either by the
ministry staff or in restaurants recommended by the staff. Many of our
mission trippers say with a smile, “You will definitely not lose
weight during your mission trip!”
If I sponsor a Samuel’s Fund child, can I
visit my Samuel’s Fund child while on a mission trip?
Yes, you can. Contact Joanna Berry at 361-991-8680 or
for information
and assistance.
South Texas Children’s Home
Ministries is a tax exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
P.O. Box 759, Beeville, TX 78104 • 361-375-2101
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